The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350’s 20 MPG combined won’t impress, and you’ll still be visiting gas stations. But it’s the expected price for buyers who want a luxury experience, substantial size, and the Mercedes-Benz reputation over maximum fuel efficiency. This vehicle prioritizes comfort and prestige, and for many, the MPG is an acceptable trade-off.

City and highway performance

The GLE350 gets 18 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the challenge of moving a vehicle of this size and weight in stop-and-go traffic. The 23 MPG highway rating is better, meaning the GLE350 can be reasonably efficient on longer trips. Remember these numbers are sensitive to driving style. Quick acceleration and regular braking will lower both the city and highway numbers. Consistently speeding on the highway will hurt fuel mileage. A smoother, more deliberate driving style will help improve these numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 at $2,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs may be higher or lower based on your driving and location. Fuel prices vary significantly. Those who commute shorter distances or mostly drive on the highway may spend less. Drivers who spend a lot of time in heavy traffic or take frequent short trips with cold starts are likely to exceed the $2,900 estimate. Fuel prices can also change throughout the year, affecting the total cost.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Some drivers get close to the EPA estimates, while others get less. Several things change the results. Tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and the use of air conditioning matter. The type of driving also matters. A driver who frequently tows or carries heavy loads will see lower fuel economy than someone who uses the GLE350 for commuting or errands. Track your own fuel use to get a more accurate picture of what to expect in your situation. Compare your actual MPG to the EPA estimates and consider changing how you drive or maintain your vehicle if you consistently get less. Check GLE350 MPG across all years to see if later models or other trims are more fuel efficient.

How it compares

The 2017 GLE350’s fuel economy is average for mid-size luxury SUVs. The 2017 BMW X5 sDrive35i gets 21 MPG combined, offering slightly better efficiency. The 2017 Acura MDX, a popular three-row crossover SUV, gets 22 MPG combined in its front-wheel-drive version. The Lexus RX 450h hybrid gets around 30 MPG combined, showing the advantage of a hybrid. The Land Rover Discovery with its supercharged V6 only gets 18 MPG combined, which is low for this group. These comparisons show that the GLE350 has typical fuel consumption for a non-hybrid luxury SUV. For a broader view, see all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

The 3.5L V6 in the GLE350 is responsive, and sensitive to the gas pedal. Gentle acceleration and avoiding hard braking can significantly improve fuel economy, mostly in city driving. Anticipate traffic and maintain a consistent speed when possible.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels on the doorjamb sticker.

Reduce unnecessary weight in your vehicle. Extra cargo adds weight and hurts fuel economy. Remove items you don’t need, especially heavy objects like golf clubs or sporting equipment.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long drives. Use cruise control on flat roads, but be ready to turn it off when going up hills or when traffic changes. The GLE350’s 7-speed automatic transmission manages the gears efficiently when cruise control is on.

Avoid idling for long periods. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Idling consumes fuel without moving, and it can reduce your overall fuel economy, mostly in city driving. Restarting the engine uses less fuel than idling in almost every situation.